Review: Hatebreed – For The Lions [2009]

Metalcore staple act Hatebreed, unleashes 18 influential metal covers on their latest studio endeavor For The Lions. Honoring bands from the early thrash era (“Ghosts of War” Slayer, “Escape” Metallica), to the roots of hardcore punk (“Hatebreeders” Misfits, “Shut Me Out” Sick of it All), to sludge (“All I Had I Gave” Crowbar), Hatebreed diligently delivers all classic tracks with their signature blistering ferocity. This album was intended for release in 2008, but the band wanted to record additional tracks, which are among the best on the record (“Ghosts of War,” “Shut Me Out”). Vocalist Jamey Jasta offers his best Max Cavalera impression on “Refuse/Resist” while the rhythm section impressively recreates Sepultura’s tribal vibe. Granted some extra fat (“Boxed In,” “Sick of Talk”) could have been cut away for optimum album flow, For The Lions contains many solid covers. If the band clipped the track list down to the 12-14 most bludgeoning tunes, this would be a 5-star tribute record -Meds